6 Common Nursing Career Myths

Ellen Lipman, MS, RT, director of professional development for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, agrees. “Continuing education can be more rewarding for individuals if time is taken to identify career and personal-development goals,” she says. “Aim for focused, self-directed and self-initiated learning opportunities. All healthcare providers must remember that ultimately, we are in this business to provide quality patient care.”

Myth 4: Once I become a clinician, I will be stuck in my role.

“Today, there are hundreds of different opportunities for clinicians outside of standard clinical roles,” Marshall says. “Many pharmaceutical companies are looking for clinicians in a variety of roles. Consulting companies are always looking for seasoned clinicians. Management always beckons for those willing to acquire advanced education and gain the necessary skill sets.”

Myth 5: To protect my patients and myself from emotional stress, I must not establish a relationship with them.

“The provider/patient relationship requires respect, integrity, trust and compassion,” says Dr. Georgianna Donadio, founder and executive director of the New England School of Whole Health Education in Wellesley, Massachusetts. “Without creating an equity-based relationship built on these values, the provider cannot facilitate patients’ healing in an authentic and appropriate way.”

Myth 6: A degree in healthcare will allow me to help other people in the way that I want to.

“Helping patients looks different from each specialist’s perspective,” Donadio says. “Some of the interactions can be rewarding, but, often, unless you are a licensed provider of a healthcare treatment-focused specialty, you will be asked to do the grunt work so that the practitioner can have more time to spend with the patients.”